Ergonomic work platform with safety guardrails

Abstract

The invention relates to a work platform (1) comprising: - two parallel uprights (4a) joined by bars (4b, 4c) to define a climbing plane (4); - two support legs (5), each hinged on an upper side to one of the uprights (4a) to occupy a storage position against the uprights (4a), or a stabilizing position away from the uprights (4a); - a floor (2) hinged between the two uprights (4a) and the two support legs (5) and foldable between a horizontal use position when the legs (5) are in the stabilizing position, and a folded position against the climbing plane (4) when the legs (5) are in the storage position; - a guardrail (3) disposed at the top of the climbing plane (4).According to the invention, the lower ends of the support legs (5) and uprights (4a) are each equipped with a retractable wheel (7) to move from a working position in which the wheel (7) does not support the platform (1) and the corresponding leg (5) or upright (4a) is in contact with the ground, to a moving position in which the wheel (7) supports the platform (1) and the corresponding leg (5) or upright (4a) is raised off the ground. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Ergonomic work platform with safety guardrail Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of climbing equipment with a folding work surface and guardrails, and more particularly concerns a secure and ergonomic work platform. Prior art

[0002] Document EP3415707 discloses a foldable work platform with safety guardrails, the overall length and folded position of which can be reduced for transport and storage, without the modifications to its structure altering the automation of its deployment and folding, its strength or its stability in the deployed state.

[0003] This platform is also advantageous in that it has simple, safe and rapid deployment kinematics.

[0004] This work platform includes: - two parallel uprights joined by crosspieces to define a rising plane; - two support legs, each hinged on one side above one of the uprights to occupy a storage position against the uprights, or a stabilization position spaced from the uprights; - a floor articulated between the two uprights and the two support legs and foldable between a horizontal use position when the legs are in the stabilization position, and a folded position against the lifting surface when the legs are in the storage position; - a guardrail placed at the top of the ascent plane and capable of adopting, under the action of control rods, a folded position aligned with the ascent plane or a horizontal safety position.

[0005] The guardrail is in particular articulated relative to two parallel secondary uprights, which are pivotally mounted around an articulation axis relative to the uprights of the ascent plane to tilt from a deployed position in the extension of said uprights to a folded position against the ascent plane, the guardrail and the control rods being, in the folded position, folded against the secondary uprights.

[0006] In addition, the control rods are, on the one hand, pivotally mounted relative to the uprights of the lifting plane around an articulation axis common with that of the secondary uprights and, on the other hand, articulated on collars mounted sliding on the guardrail.

[0007] Thus, this work platform has a reduced footprint in that the structure supporting the guardrail, namely the secondary uprights, and the control rods can be tilted and folded against the climbing plane along the same articulation axis. The fact that this axis is common also makes it possible to reduce the footprint of the work platform in the folded storage position.

[0008] The resistance and stability of the guardrail is optimal since the forces are concentrated, via the pivot points, on the uprights of the ascent plane.

[0009] However, this work platform, and work platforms in general, can still be improved with regard to their maneuverability, their ergonomics of use, and their manufacturing cost. Invention statement

[0010] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, by proposing a folding work platform with safety guardrails whose maneuverability and ergonomics of use are improved.

[0011] Another objective is to provide such a platform with minimized production costs.

[0012] Another objective is to provide such a platform, the length and folded size of which, like that of document EP3415707, is reduced for its transport and storage, without the modifications to its structure altering the automation of its deployment and folding, its strength or its stability in the deployed state.

[0013] For this purpose, a work platform has been developed comprising: - two parallel uprights joined by bars to define a climbing plane; - two support legs, each hinged on one side above one of the uprights to occupy a storage position against the uprights, or a stabilization position spaced from the uprights; - a floor articulated between the two uprights and the two support legs and foldable between a horizontal use position when the legs are in the stabilization position, and a folded position against the lifting surface when the legs are in the storage position; - a guardrail placed at the top of the ascent plane and, preferably capable of adopting, under the action of control rods, a folded position aligned with the ascent plane or a horizontal safety position.

[0014] According to the invention, the lower ends of the support legs and uprights are each equipped with a retractable wheel to move from a position of use in which the wheel does not support the platform and the corresponding leg or upright is resting on the ground, in a moving position in which the wheel supports the platform and the corresponding leg or upright is raised from the ground.

[0015] In this way, the platform according to the invention is easy to handle and ergonomic. It can be easily moved by an operator when it is in the deployed position of use, without having to lift it or fold it.

[0016] In order to further improve the ergonomics of use, each wheel is retractable to move from the movement position when the platform is not loaded, by being pushed by a spring, to the use position when the platform is loaded, by being moved against the spring.

[0017] In this way, loading, that is to say putting weight on the platform, such as the weight of equipment, tools or a person, will move the wheels against the spring and put the legs and uprights in support on the ground to be in the position of use of the platform. When empty, the springs, sized to lift and support the platform, push the wheels back into the position of movement of the platform.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the retractable wheels are fixed to the legs and uprights by means of a U-shaped shoe which laterally covers said legs and uprights, and a sleeve integral with the shoe receiving a rod at the end of which the wheel is mounted. The wheel is free to pivot around the rod to facilitate the maneuverability of the platform when it is moved, and the rod is mounted sliding downwards, pushed by the spring.

[0019] Preferably, the shoe is attached to the legs and uprights in an inclined manner so that in the platform's use position, the rod extends substantially vertically in order to minimize mechanical stress on the rod.

[0020] This embodiment presents optimal ergonomics with a reduced manufacturing cost.

[0021] Still with the aim of improving ergonomics while having reduced manufacturing costs, the support legs are formed from a single tube curved in the shape of an inverted U.

[0022] Using a single curved tube to form the support legs makes it possible to have a lightweight platform and therefore one that is easier to handle and move, and therefore more ergonomic.

[0023] Preferably, the base of the inverted U-shaped curved tube is folded forward to form a sub-rail and a carrying handle making use even more ergonomic. The integration of these functions also makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs and the weight of the platform since it is not necessary to provide other added parts. The reduced weight contributes to the ergonomics of the platform.

[0024] Advantageously, a second curved tube of generally rectangular shape is positioned between the branches of the U-shape of the tube to reinforce and stabilize the supporting legs, and also form a support at a front end of the floor in the position of use.

[0025] In the same way as previously, the integration of these functions also makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs and the weight of the platform since it is not necessary to provide other added parts.

[0026] Furthermore, the stability of the support legs is increased, which also makes it possible to reduce the section of the tubes and further save on costs and lightness, which contributes to improving the ergonomics and maneuverability of the platform.

[0027] Preferably, the central upper portion of the rectangular-shaped curved tube comprises means for locking a bar of the rising plane when the floor is in the folded-down position.

[0028] Ergonomics is improved since folding the platform automatically locks the end of one of the bars to the front plane so as to secure the storage position. Positioning the locking means on the second curved tube, therefore at the level of the front plane formed by the support legs, does not hinder the user when he climbs onto the platform.

[0029] According to a light, economical and reliable embodiment, the locking means are in the form of a spring blade having a central portion recessed to form a housing for receiving and locking the bar.

[0030] The operation is simple and ergonomic for the operator, the locking is automatic and for unlocking, he simply has to lower the free end of the spring blade which forms a tab. Brief description of the figures.

[0031] [Fig-1] is a ¾ front perspective view of the work platform according to the invention.

[0032] [Fig.2] is a ¾ rear perspective view of the work platform according to the invention.

[0033] [Fig.3] is a detail view of a retractable wheel of the platform.

[0034] [Fig.4] is a partial perspective view of the floor in the folded position towards rusty.

[0035] [Fig.5] is a view similar to that of [Fig.4], in longitudinal section.

[0036] [Fig.6] is a side view of the floor locking means in position folded down. Detailed description of the invention

[0037] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to a secure work platform (1) with foldable work floor (2) and guardrails (3), the size of which is reduced to facilitate its transport, in particular in a vehicle. compact commercial.

[0038] The platform (1) according to the invention also has increased maneuverability and ergonomics compared to those of the state of the art, while maintaining low manufacturing costs.

[0039] In a known manner, the work platform (1) comprises a climbing plane (4), composed of two parallel uprights (4a) joined by bars (4b) forming steps, and by an upper bar (4c) for the articulation of a work floor (2).

[0040] The work platform (1) comprises two support legs (5) formed by a single tube curved in the shape of an inverted U. The base (5a) of the tube curved in the shape of an inverted U is folded to form a sub-rail and a carrying handle.

[0041] A second curved tube (6) of generally rectangular shape is positioned between the branches of the U-shape of the first curved tube (5) to reinforce and stabilize the support legs (5), and also to form a support at a front end of the floor (2) in the use position as will be described below. Each leg (5) is hinged to an upper side of one of the uprights (4a) to occupy a storage position against the uprights (4a), or a stabilization position, as illustrated, by being spaced from the uprights (4a). The ends of the support legs (5) are inclined to move away from each other in order to optimize the stability of the work platform (1).

[0042] The fact that the sub-rail is an integral part of the support legs (5) and that it is located in the extension thereof also makes it possible to reduce the length of the working platform (1) in the folded position. Indeed, the tilting of the support legs (5) against the lifting plane (4) makes it possible to tilt the sub-rail downwards and to reduce the length of the working platform (1).

[0043] In order to allow the platform (1) to be moved, the lower ends of the support legs (5) and the uprights (4a) are each equipped with a retractable wheel (7) to move from a position of use in which the wheel (7) does not support the platform (1), and the corresponding leg (5) or upright (4a) is resting on the ground, to a moving position in which the wheel (7) supports the platform (1) and the corresponding leg (5) or upright (4a) is raised from the ground.

[0044] With reference to [Fig. 3], each wheel (7) is retractable, preferably being pushed by a spring (8) to move from the travel position when the platform is not loaded, to the use position when the platform is loaded, against the spring (8).

[0045] More precisely, with reference to [Fig. 3], the retractable wheels (7) are fixed to the legs (5) and to the uprights (4a) by means of a U-shaped shoe (9) laterally covering said legs (5) and uprights (4a) and comprising a sleeve (10) integral with the shoe (9), illustrated in transparency in [Fig. 3], receiving a rod (11) at the end of which the wheel (7) is mounted. The wheel (7) is free to pivot around the rod (11), and the rod (11) is mounted sliding downwards while being pushed by the spring (8), in particular in counter-pressure against an upper part of the sleeve (10). The wheel (7) is pushed to move away from the sleeve until it abuts against an end stop of the rod (7) and thus passes into the position in which the wheels lift and support the platform.

[0046] The shoe (9) is preferably fixed to the legs and uprights in an inclined manner so that in the position of use of the platform, the rod (11) extends substantially vertically.

[0047] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the work floor (2) is articulated between the two uprights (4a) of the climbing plane (4) and the two support legs (5). More precisely, the work floor (2) is pivotally mounted on the upper bar (4c) of the climbing plane (4) to switch between a folded position folded against the climbing plane (4) and a horizontal use position with locked support on the central portion of the second tube (6) curved in the general shape of a rectangle. The work floor (2) is connected to the support legs (5) by two pivoting lateral arms (2a).

[0048] The central upper portion of the second curved tube (6) in the shape of a rectangle comprises locking means (12) for a front end of the floor (2), and more precisely for the upper bar (4c) of the ascent plane when the floor (2) is in the folded position.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment, the locking means (12) are in the form of a spring blade having a central portion recessed to form a housing for receiving and locking the upper bar (4c), see figures 4 and 5.

[0050] Locking is automatic and to unlock, simply lower the free end of the spring blade which forms a tab.

[0051] In a known manner, the guardrail (3) of the platform (1) is foldable and U-shaped, the lateral branches of which are articulated to the tops of the uprights (4a).

[0052] Two control rods (13) allow the guardrail (3) to be deployed in the safety position. The control rods (13) are, on the one hand, pivotally mounted relative to the uprights (4a) of the ascent plane (4) and, on the other hand, articulated on collars slidably mounted on the guardrail (3). Thus, in the folded storage position, the guardrail (3) and the control rods (13) are folded against the uprights (4a), which are folded against the ascent plane (4).

[0053] It is clear from the above that the invention provides a folding work platform with safety guardrails, the maneuverability and ergonomics of which are improved, while having minimized production costs.

[0054] The overall length and folded position are reduced for transport and its storage, without modifications to its structure altering the automation of its deployment and folding, its resistance or its stability in the deployed state.

Claims

Claims

1. Work platform (1) comprising: - two parallel uprights (4a) joined by bars (4b, 4c) to define a climbing plane (4); - two support legs (5), each articulated on a side upper to one of the uprights (4a) to occupy a storage position against the uprights (4a), or a stabilization position spaced from the uprights (4a); - a floor (2) articulated between the two uprights (4a) and the two support legs (5) and foldable between a horizontal use position when the legs (5) are in the stabilization position, and a folded position against the climbing plane (4) when the legs (5) are in the storage position; - a guardrail (3) arranged at the top of the climbing plane (4);the lower ends of the support legs (5) and the uprights (4a) each being equipped with a retractable wheel (7) for moving from a position of use in which the wheel (7) does not support the platform (1) and the corresponding leg (5) or upright (4a) is resting on the ground, to a moving position in which the wheel (7) supports the platform (1) and the corresponding leg (5) or upright (4a) is raised from the ground, characterized in that the support legs (5) are formed by a single curved tube (5) in the shape of an inverted U, and in that a second curved tube (6) of generally rectangular shape is positioned between the branches of the U-shape of the curved tube (5) to form a support at a front end of the floor (2) in the position of use.;

2. Platform (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each wheel (7) is retractable to move from the moving position when the platform (1) is not loaded, by being pushed by a spring (8), to the use position when the platform (1) is loaded, by being moved against the spring (8).

3. Platform (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the retractable wheels (7) are fixed to the legs (5) and to the uprights (4a) by means of a U-shaped shoe (9) laterally covering said legs (5) and uprights (4a) and comprising a sleeve (10) integral with the shoe (9) receiving a rod (11) at the end of which the wheel (7) is mounted, the wheel (7) is free to pivot around the rod (11) and the rod (11) is mounted sliding downwards pushed by the spring (8).

4. Platform (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that the shoe (9) is fixed to the legs (5) and to the uprights (4a) in an inclined manner so that in the position of use of the platform (1), the rod (11) extends substantially vertically.

5. Platform (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (5a) of the tube curved in the shape of an inverted U is folded forward to form a sub-rail and a carrying handle.

6. Platform (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the central upper portion of the second curved tube (6) comprises locking means (12) of a bar (4c) of the ascent plane (4) when the floor (2) is in the folded position.

7. Platform (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the locking means (12) are in the form of a spring blade having a central portion recessed to form a housing for receiving and locking the bar (4c).

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